Blue Devil JV Field Hockey Grows
It was growing experience for the Huntington junior varsity field hockey team as the Blue Devils sharpened their skills, developed their teamwork and improved their strategy over the course of the ten-week season.
The small squad of 16 players was led by captains Kristina Salese, Kelly Askerberg, Melissa Cohen and Gillian Ehrman and coached by Nancy Wilson. Season highlights included a 1-1 tie against Sachem East after the Blue Devils dropped an earlier 2-0 verdict. Another well-played game came in a 1-0 loss at Ward Melville after Huntington lost to the Patriots three weeks earlier, 5-0.
The season saw Cohen and Darya DeSimone lead Huntington in scoring. Askerberg fueled the team's transition play with self-passing and drives. Ehrman sustained key ball possession periods through dodging and the set-up of critical offensive scoring opportunities.
Salese, Sibilla Maiarelli, Maria Sorrentino and Janna Gambarelli paced a tight defense. DeSimone and Kira Bergman displayed strong stick skills and were able to fill multiple offensive and defensive positions.
Julianna Kimchy and Olivia Palmer showed a knack for positioning near the goal, which resulted in significant scoring opportunities. Cohen and Sydney Andree were solid, aggressive goalies. Chelsea Holmes and Caroline Berejka also made notable contributions to the Blue Devils.
"The girls were an enthusiastic and kind group of athletes who worked hard in both practice and games," Wilson said. "Athletes tried various positions and were open to new ideas and strategy."
Wilson said she plans to work with her team next year to "continue to develop game strategy and position awareness."